Kayaks for Fly Fishing

Here are 10 tips for catching fish from a kayak.

1. Develop good paddling skills. I’ve said it before, but no matter how good a fisherman you are, proper paddling skills are essential when targeting big fish. With a big fish on, a “sleigh ride” taking you several hundred yards to a mile or more from your original hook-up location is not uncommon. In saltwater, larger fish can tow you away from a protected flat into deeper, open water conditions. Having the proper skills and mindset to get back to your original fishing grounds is essential.

2. Wear a PFD. In addition to having the proper skills, the right gear is essential. When fishing from a kayak, even on protected waterways, a life vest is mandatory. The new auto-infl ation PFDs from Mustang Survival, Stearns and SOSpenders provide safety with virtually no restriction of movement.

3. Communication. If fishing in a group, hand-held VHF radios are not a bad idea to keep everyone aware of the location and status of each angler. When fishing in open water, a cell phone and hand-held VHF should be standard equipment for kayak anglers.

4. Fish with a partner. When the fight is on it’s nice to have an extra set of eyes and ears for spotting other boats and potentially dangerous water conditions. An extra set of hands also can be a big help to stabilize your boat when changing lines, tying tippets, or accessing gear and rods stowed in storage hatches. And without a fishing partner, who is going to capture that epic Kodak moment?

5. Use a paddle leash. A paddle leash or tether gives you the ability to easily discard your paddle while fighting a fish, without any fear of losing it. The last thing you need is a lost paddle after you’ve been dragged a mile from shore by your trophy catch.

6. Use a drift sock/sea anchor. Call it what you want—drift sock, chute, drogue, or sea anchor—this is an essential device in shortening the fight. When deployed properly, the sea anchor adds considerable drag to your kayak, applying more pressure to the fish. In addition to shortening fight time, a drift sock also makes it a lot harder for that big ‘ole tarpon to tow you half way to Key West.

7. Use an anchor with a detachable rode and fl oat. A decent anchor rigged with a quick-release anchor rode (line) and fl oat is another must have item when targeting big fish. Most large fish need to be followed to keep from being broken off or “spooled,” and if you’re anchored up when you hook up, it’s almost impossible to retrieve an anchor while fighting a fish. A quick-release system lets you ditch the anchor in place, and a small fl oat attached to the rode allows recovery after landing your fish.

8. Consider a sit-on-top kayak. In addition to having the most fishing-friendly deck layout, a sit-on-top (“SOT”) offers the ability to put your legs over the side of the hull for added stability when fighting big fish. It also permits paddling with your feet to make minor boat position changes without using your hands or a paddle. In conditions where the water is not too deep and the bottom is firm, a SOT gives you the ability to quickly dismount your boat and fight the fish from a standing position.

9. Keep pressure on the fish. “Put the wood to it,” my father-in-law likes to yell at me. The more you pressure the fish, the faster it will tire, and the quicker you can get it boatside. Always keep the line tight and apply pressure in the opposite direction the fish is running. Never let the fish rest. Allowing a big fish to catch its second wind is a sure way to double the fight time. In the right situations, I try to angle my kayak perpendicular to the path of the fish, and when done properly this maneuver can significantly increase drag.

10. The three Rs: Removal of hook, Resuscitation, and Release. Big fish are legendary for last-ditch escape efforts. Whenever possible I try to “lash up” to another kayak when bringing a big fish alongside. When done properly the additional balance and stability is helpful for hook removal, photography, and fi nal resuscitation. Even in all the excitement, time must be taken to properly revive the fish for its safe return. Once the hook has been removed, hold the fish at the side of the boat and move it back and forth, forcing water through its gills. As the fish gains strength it will swim off under its own power. The use of a “lipping tool” like the Boga Grip can be very helpful when bringing a large fish alongside, especially if it has teeth! Big fish from a kayak are possible. If you follow the advice above, your first Nantucket Sleigh Ride will be an event you’ll always remember. Tight Lines.